Mountain Khakis, a mountain town-inspired lifestyle apparel brand, named Steve Carpenter store manager for the brand’s flagship retail store at 1412 Larimer Street in Denver. The Holiday Preview Store will open November 17, with the full opening scheduled for March 2017.

Carpenter, a longtime Denver resident, brings 27 years of experience leading REI stores.

“Steve, an avid outdoorsman and passionate devotee of the Mountain Khakis brand, brings invaluable experience managing retail and growing a brand’s physical footprint,” said Ross Saldarini, president of Mountain Khakis. “During his tenure at REI he helped the brand develop in a number of markets throughout the United States. In addition, Steve has solid experience in building community engagement, a strong priority for us, as we settle into our Colorado home on Larimer Square.”

Carpenter will lead the team in making preparations for opening the 1,100-square-foot preview store that will showcase Mountain Khakis’ apparel and accessories for men and women. As part of Larimer Square’s popular holiday tradition, a portion of the preview store will play host to Santa every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

“It is a privilege to support the brick-and-mortar expansion of a brand that I’ve long respected and that shares my values of engaging with communities, customers and staff to get outside and live life to the fullest,” said Carpenter. “During my time at REI my nickname was Steve ‘MK’ Carpenter because I was always wearing Mountain Khakis. I look forward to representing the brand full time in my new role.”